Mechanical Engineering Intern at Mariana Minerals | San Francisco

About Mariana Minerals Mariana Minerals is a software-focused minerals company based in San Francisco. The team delivers essential minerals that support energy, artificial intelligence, and defense technologies. By combining industry expertise with advanced software, automation, and data-driven methods, Mariana Minerals aims to transform the minerals supply chain. Mechanical Engineering Intern – Role Overview The Mechanical Engineering Intern will join the Pilot Plant Operations team at the San Francisco headquarters. This role centers on hands-on work: designing, improving, and optimizing benchtop pilot plant equipment. Interns collaborate with seasoned engineers and domain experts, gaining practical experience that goes well beyond typical support tasks. What You Will Do Create 3D models, layout drawings, and technical documentation for laboratory and pilot plant equipment. Build, test, and refine mechanical solutions to improve equipment performance, reduce downtime, control costs, and support health and safety. Work with engineering, management, and software teams to develop programs and applications that advance Mariana Minerals’ operations. Partner with colleagues from engineering, operations, and controls engineering to reach project objectives. Share your findings and experiences in a final presentation at the end of the internship. Desired Qualifications Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a mechanical engineering or related degree program. Solid grasp of mechanical design documentation, including equipment specifications, layout drawings, piping diagrams, and CAD models. Hands-on experience designing or supporting industrial equipment such as pumps, piping systems, reactors, separators, filtration systems, or material handling equipment. Ability to design mechanical solutions independently, troubleshoot issues, and analyze complex data sets. Strong technical writing, communication, and teamwork skills. Comfortable adapting to changing priorities and managing multiple tasks in a busy environment. Why Mariana Minerals? Interns at Mariana Minerals join a mission-driven group focused on reshaping the future of critical minerals supply.

About Mariana Minerals Mariana Minerals is a software-driven minerals company based in San Francisco. The team supplies essential minerals for the energy, artificial intelligence, and defense industries. By combining deep industry knowledge with advanced software, automation, and data strategies, Mariana Minerals is rethinking how minerals reach the world’s most critical sectors. Internship Overview The Process Engineering Intern will join the Pilot Plant Operations team at Mariana Minerals’ San Francisco headquarters. This internship offers the chance to work on meaningful, hands-on projects in mineral processing. Interns conduct benchtop experiments, support pilot plant test runs, and help develop new operational programs. Close collaboration with experienced engineers and subject matter experts is a core part of the experience. This role focuses on building and delivering new solutions, not just supporting existing work. What You Will Do Run experiments in both lab and pilot plant settings to help reduce risks in scaling up minerals processing. Develop, test, and refine approaches to improve product recovery, minimize equipment downtime, control costs, and support health and safety. Work with engineering, management, and software teams to create programs and tools that advance operational goals. Collaborate with cross-functional groups, including operations and analytical labs. Present findings and insights at the end of the internship. What We’re Looking For Current student or recent graduate in chemical engineering, metallurgy, materials science, or a related field. Strong grasp of process design, thermodynamics, and reaction engineering. Hands-on experience in laboratory, pilot plant, or commercial plant settings through coursework, projects, or previous internships. Skilled in experimental design, troubleshooting, and independent analysis of complex data. Clear technical writing, communication, and collaboration abilities. Comfortable adapting to new challenges and working in a changing environment. Why Mariana Minerals? Interns at Mariana Minerals join a mission-driven team working to transform the global sourcing and supply of critical minerals. Every contribution supports a larger vision for the future of the industry.

About Mariana Minerals Mariana Minerals is a software-driven minerals company based in San Francisco. The team supplies essential minerals that support energy, artificial intelligence, and defense technologies. By combining deep industry experience with automation, software, and data-driven decision-making, Mariana Minerals aims to modernize the minerals supply chain. Internship Overview The Project Engineering Intern will join the Special Operations team to work on projects that directly impact mine operations. This role centers on building and deploying solutions, not just supporting ongoing work. Interns will collaborate closely with engineers and industry experts, contributing to the development of the MineOS product and exploring new technologies. What You Will Do Take ownership of a major operations project, guiding it from problem identification to execution and delivery. Build internal tools, dashboards, or lightweight applications to improve operational processes. Analyze operational data to spot inefficiencies and suggest improvements. Use AI tools such as Replit and Claude for rapid prototyping and solution deployment. Work closely with engineering and operations teams to turn practical challenges into working systems. Iterate on solutions quickly, applying feedback and deploying in real or near-real environments. Share progress, insights, and recommendations during weekly program review meetings. Location This internship is based at Mariana Minerals' San Francisco headquarters.

About Mariana MineralsAt Mariana Minerals, we are pioneering a software-centric approach to mineral sourcing. Our mission is to deliver the critical minerals essential for modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We aim to transform the mineral supply chain through innovative software, automation, and data-driven strategies.Join us in our quest to redefine responsible mineral sourcing and supply for a sustainable future.Role OverviewWe are in search of a dynamic and detail-oriented Project Engineer to help develop the critical minerals supply chain that supports the global transition to renewable energy. In this position, you will facilitate communication among engineering, procurement, construction, and operational teams to ensure project success.Your responsibilities will include maintaining project workflows, overseeing document control, tracking engineering and vendor deliverables, coordinating reviews across disciplines, managing RFIs, and creating dashboards for real-time project insights.

Join Mariana Minerals as a Mechanical Maintenance Technician, where you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of our machinery and equipment. As part of our dedicated team, you will be responsible for performing routine maintenance, troubleshooting mechanical issues, and implementing effective solutions to enhance operational efficiency.

About Mariana MineralsAt Mariana Minerals, we are revolutionizing the minerals industry with our innovative software-driven approach. Our mission is to provide essential minerals that fuel modern energy, artificial intelligence, and defense sectors. By merging extensive industry knowledge with cutting-edge software, automation, and data analytics, we are transforming the minerals supply chain. Join us as we pioneer the future of mining and mineral processing.The RoleWe are on the lookout for a talented Extractive Metallurgist to become part of our dynamic technical team based in San Francisco. This pivotal role involves the development, enhancement, and scaling of mineral processing systems to support Mariana’s international operations. The ideal candidate will possess robust expertise in process engineering and metallurgy, particularly in zinc or copper, and excel in fast-paced, startup atmospheres that demand creativity, autonomy, and effective problem-solving skills.You will collaborate closely with operations, engineering teams, machine learning specialists, and data scientists to devise innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, recovery rates, and throughput across our projects.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, test, and refine mineral processing flowsheets for both new and existing initiatives.Lead laboratory, pilot-scale, and plant trials to validate and enhance processes.Analyze metallurgical data to boost recovery rates, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.Work alongside engineering teams on process design and scaling strategies.Collaborate with data scientists and machine learning engineers to embed advanced analytics and predictive models into process optimization.Assist in the commissioning and ramp-up of new facilities, requiring significant travel to sites.Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and safety at Mariana.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or Process Engineering.Practical mineral processing experience (zinc or copper preferred, broader experience considered).Demonstrated ability to work independently in a startup environment.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Join our dynamic team at Mariana Minerals as a Lab Technician, where you will play a crucial role in supporting our innovative mineral exploration and analysis projects. In this hands-on position, you will be responsible for conducting laboratory tests, preparing samples, and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of data. If you are passionate about science and eager to contribute to exciting discoveries, we want to hear from you!

About Mariana MineralsMariana Minerals is a pioneering software-driven, vertically integrated minerals company dedicated to supplying the essential minerals that fuel modern energy, artificial intelligence, and defense technologies. We are transforming the minerals supply chain by leveraging extensive industry knowledge alongside cutting-edge software, automation, and data-centric decision-making.The RoleAs we build the critical minerals supply chain from the ground up, we seek a highly skilled Senior Machine Learning Engineer to help drive our autonomous operations.Unlike traditional software companies, we are a mining company that develops our own software solutions. Mariana designs, builds, commissions, and operates our own mines and refineries, where we create proprietary chemical processes. Currently, we are producing battery-grade lithium salts from real oil and gas wastewater at our facilities. Our first commercial-scale lithium production facility, Lithium One, is set to commence initial production in the first half of 2027.In your role as a Senior Machine Learning Engineer, you will spearhead the design and implementation of machine learning systems that directly optimize the operations of our mineral refining facilities and guide significant investment and operational decisions. Your contributions will be visible in tangible metrics such as recovery rates, energy consumption, reagent usage, and equipment uptime.The TechThis position involves some of the most compelling applied AI work available today.Our internal platform, PlantOS, utilizes the same reinforcement learning frameworks that power self-driving cars and humanoid robots, adapted for the autonomous and short-interval control of mineral refining circuits. Our models dynamically adjust operating parameters in real time, optimizing for lithium recovery, reagent consumption, energy efficiency, and equipment uptime simultaneously.The working environment is complex and ever-changing; variations in wastewater compositions, ore grades, and aging equipment require the system to adapt continuously. The ultimate objective is to achieve fully autonomous refining operations—when you implement your solutions here, you will witness the physics of the process evolve.What You’ll DoCollaborate closely with Mariana’s process chemistry and engineering teams to develop innovative, data-driven models of core chemical unit operations.Train and deploy reinforcement learning models to optimize operational processes.

About Mariana MineralsAt Mariana Minerals, we are a pioneering minerals company that prioritizes software innovation. Our mission is to provide essential minerals that power the modern energy sector, artificial intelligence, and defense technologies. We are transforming the minerals supply chain by leveraging deep industry knowledge alongside cutting-edge software, automation, and data-driven decision-making.Join us in our commitment to responsible mineral sourcing and supply as we shape the future.Role OverviewWe are seeking a talented Senior Full Stack Software Engineer to lead significant technical projects aimed at developing the next-generation critical minerals supply chain, supporting the global transition to sustainable energy.In this role, you will be responsible for architecting, leading, and delivering software systems that enhance the engineering and construction of vital infrastructure for our minerals supply chain. You will set the technical direction, mentor team members, and oversee the complete delivery of intricate systems. Your key responsibilities will include designing and implementing robust integrations with existing engineering and construction software tools, creating scalable solutions to address internal team challenges, collaborating with ML engineers to implement large language models for unstructured data issues, and leading the creation of a new 'operating system' for the engineering and operation of our mineral processing facilities.This full-stack position requires proficiency in writing production-quality frontend code along with a strong understanding of system design and backend architecture. You will navigate seamlessly between user interfaces and distributed systems, ensuring quality at every layer of the software stack.

About Mariana MineralsAt Mariana Minerals, we are a pioneering, software-driven minerals company dedicated to supplying the essential minerals that are critical for modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. Our innovative approach redefines how minerals are sourced, refined, and optimized through a blend of deep industrial knowledge and cutting-edge software, automation, and data-driven decision-making. Join us in revolutionizing responsible mineral sourcing and supply.Role OverviewWe are seeking a proactive Hydrometallurgical Process Engineer to contribute to the development of the critical minerals supply chain essential for the global energy transition.As a Hydrometallurgical Process Engineer with Mariana Minerals, you will spearhead the creation and implementation of innovative chemical refining processes. Your role will also involve supporting the development of software for capital project execution and enhancing automated plant optimization. You will be responsible for overseeing equipment scopes from initial concept to design, installation, commissioning, ramp-up, and handover to the operations team.What You Will DoLead hydrometallurgical process equipment scopes from concept development and modeling validation through procurement, detailed engineering, fabrication, installation, commissioning, and ramp-up.Manage relationships with external technology licensors, equipment vendors, and engineering partners to deliver fully integrated and efficient hydrometallurgical refining systems.Develop comprehensive heat and material balances for complex hydrometallurgical process trains, including leaching, solution purification, solvent extraction/ion exchange, precipitation, crystallization, and residue handling.Create hydraulic models and process flow diagrams/P&IDs for hydrometallurgical circuits, ensuring operational efficiency, reliability, and safety.Develop first-principles models of chemical reactors and unit operations (e.g., leach reactors, autoclaves, SX settlers, IX columns, precipitation reactors, filtration systems) to validate scale-up and mitigate risks in commercial designs.Identify, assess, and implement engineering solutions to enhance extraction, purification, and recovery processes under varying chemistries, feedstock qualities, and operating conditions.

Join Mariana MineralsAt Mariana Minerals, we are revolutionizing the minerals supply chain. As a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company, our mission is to provide the essential minerals that power modern energy, artificial intelligence, and defense technologies. We harness deep industry knowledge combined with cutting-edge software, automation, and data-driven insights to redefine the way minerals are sourced and processed.Your Role as Staff Product ManagerWe are seeking a dynamic Staff Product Manager to lead a crucial area within MarianaOS. This position is unique as we prioritize recruiting top-tier product managers first and then align them to the most suitable segment of our operations based on their strengths and experiences. Together during the interview process, we will identify the ideal fit for your skills.The potential impact of this position is vast. The mining industry is one of the last major sectors yet to be transformed by modern software technologies. Your work will not merely close feature gaps but will create entirely new workflows and systems. The challenges range from micron-scale chemistry all the way to kilometer-scale infrastructure.By delivering features, you will directly influence metrics such as recovery rates, reagent consumption, construction timelines, and equipment uptime. These are not merely abstract metrics; they reflect the tangible physics of metal production. This role requires on-site engagement and will involve significant travel.About MarianaOSMarianaOS serves as the digital backbone for our mineral projects, overseeing the entire lifecycle from capital project execution to autonomous operations. We are currently focusing on three key domains:MineOS: This platform integrates geological block models, mine planning, fleet management systems, and industrial control systems into a cohesive optimization layer, enhancing autonomous fleet deployment and developing an accurate digital twin of mining sites.PlantOS: Our autonomy platform for fixed-plant mineral processing, including lithium refining and flotation, which employs a reinforcement learning toolkit similar to those used in self-driving technologies for autonomously controlling mineral refining circuits.BizOS: The operational system that streamlines business processes by connecting disparate tools, removing manual handoffs, and providing leadership with real-time insights into project economics and operational performance across the organization.

At Mechanize, we are pioneering the development of Reinforcement Learning (RL) environments tailored to train AI models for real-world applications. Our ambition is to facilitate the complete automation of the economy, partnering with leading AI laboratories. Discover more at mechanize.work.As a Software Engineering Intern at Mechanize, you will play a pivotal role in assisting our team to develop these groundbreaking RL environments. If you have a solid command of Python programming and possess a keen intellect, we would love to hear from you.We are currently seeking interns for Winter 2026, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026.No prior experience in machine learning or AI is necessary.Curious about our interview process? Learn more here: https://www.mechanize.work/how-our-interview-process-works/

About Mariana MineralsMariana Minerals is a software-driven, vertically integrated minerals company dedicated to providing the essential minerals that power modern energy solutions, artificial intelligence, and defense technologies. We are transforming the minerals supply chain by leveraging extensive industry expertise alongside cutting-edge software, automation, and data-informed decision-making.The RoleWe are seeking a Senior Technical Recruiter (Contract) to spearhead full-cycle recruitment for pivotal technical and business positions during a crucial growth period at Mariana Minerals. This is a contract role lasting 6-12 months, where your mission will be to devise and implement effective recruiting strategies aimed at attracting, evaluating, and securing top talent in competitive markets.You will collaborate closely with hiring managers and leadership teams, overseeing the recruitment process from start to finish, employing deep market insights, and continuously optimizing recruitment practices through data analysis, systems enhancement, and automation.What You’ll DoManage the entire recruitment process for both technical and non-technical roles, from initial intake to final offer acceptance.Translate complex job specifications into tailored, high-quality sourcing strategies.Develop robust talent pipelines through innovative sourcing methods beyond conventional channels.Work in partnership with hiring managers to ensure alignment, priority setting, and rapid decision-making.Provide candidates with a top-tier, engaging experience marked by clear communication and minimal drop-off rates.Monitor and analyze recruitment funnel metrics (pipeline health, conversion rates, time-to-fill) utilizing Ashby.Proactively identify and address potential hiring obstacles, presenting strategic solutions.Effectively communicate Mariana’s mission, culture, and unique value proposition to attract and secure top candidates.Contribute to the enhancement of recruitment processes, interview methodologies, and overall hiring philosophy.

Join mechanize as a Senior Software Engineer, where you'll contribute to innovative software solutions that shape the future of technology. In this role, you will lead projects, mentor junior developers, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality software products. Your expertise will drive architectural decisions and enhance our development processes.

At Mechanize, we are on a mission to revolutionize the economy through the automation of real-world tasks. We specialize in building reinforcement learning (RL) environments designed to enhance AI models, enabling them to tackle complex challenges. Our innovative solutions are trusted by leading AI laboratories. Discover more about our work at mechanize.work.As a Junior Software Engineer at Mechanize, you will play a key role in developing RL environments that cater to the needs of the top AI labs. This position is ideal for individuals who are nearing graduation or have 0-2 years of experience in software engineering, and possess proficiency in Python programming.Prior experience in machine learning or AI is not a requirement.Curious about our interview process? Learn more about it here.

At Mechanize, we specialize in developing reinforcement learning (RL) environments that empower AI models to execute real-world tasks efficiently. Our mission is to drive the complete automation of the economy, providing innovative solutions to leading AI laboratories. Discover more about our work at mechanize.work.As a Senior Software Engineer at Mechanize, you will contribute to the creation of RL environments that are pivotal in the field of AI model training. Ideal candidates will have 2-5 years of software engineering experience with proficiency in Python programming. Previous experience in machine learning or AI is not a prerequisite.For insights on our interview process, visit: Interview Process at Mechanize.

Astranis is at the forefront of satellite technology, designing and launching advanced satellites that push the boundaries of human exploration into the cosmos. Our spacecraft provide dedicated, secure networks for a diverse range of elite clientele, including large corporations, government entities, and the U.S. military. With five satellites successfully in orbit and an exciting pipeline of launches ahead, we are addressing a robust backlog of over $1 billion in commercial contracts.Astranis has emerged as the go-to partner for satellite communications, meeting the high standards of clients who demand exceptional uptime, data security, network visibility, and tailored solutions. Having secured over $750 million in funding from industry-leading investors such as Andreessen Horowitz, Blackrock, and Fidelity, our team of 450 dedicated engineers and entrepreneurs is passionate about revolutionizing satellite technology from our expansive headquarters in Northern California.Mechanical EngineerAs a Mechanical Engineer at Astranis, you will play a pivotal role in the design, evaluation, testing, and assembly of spacecraft components and mechanical systems. A strong problem-solving aptitude, hands-on experience, and a passion for innovative design are essential. Experience with spacecraft, mechanisms, or composites is advantageous but not mandatory.ResponsibilitiesDesign, evaluate, procure, assemble, and test primary structures, bracketry, and mechanisms for Astranis spacecraft. This includes components made from both composite and metallic materials, utilizing various manufacturing processes.Develop specifications for components and systems, including load requirements, interfaces, and functional criteria.Conduct mechanical and thermal analysis for spacecraft systems to ensure optimal performance.Collaborate with team members to integrate components and systems into the spacecraft, while documenting and refining processes to enhance future builds.

Impulse is a San Francisco-based team of engineers, designers, and innovators dedicated to making sustainable choices at home more accessible and appealing. The company focuses on designing high-performance products that support scalable home electrification and blend seamlessly into daily routines. As a VC-backed startup, Impulse is laying the groundwork for lasting change in a pivotal industry and welcomes those who want to help shape its future. Role overview The Mechanical Engineer will work from Impulse’s headquarters in the Design District of San Francisco. This role centers on designing, architecting, and supporting the manufacturing of new products. Collaboration is key: expect to work closely with software developers, product managers, and company leadership. Regular on-site presence is required, though working remotely 1-2 days per week may be possible for the right candidate. What you will do Develop hardware products as part of a growing company with a forward-looking mission. Create durable architectures that shape both current and future product lines. Work with cross-functional teams throughout product definition and development. Build and test functional prototypes to refine designs. Engage in hands-on design and testing of new and experimental technologies. Support ongoing production and improvement efforts, focusing on design and manufacturing processes for both existing and upcoming products. Contribute to bringing production-ready devices to market. Oversee volume manufacturing for a new category of products. Requirements Minimum of 7 years’ experience in mechanical engineering. Demonstrated success developing and launching high-quality products in consumer electronics, automotive, or IoT sectors. Advanced skills in mechanical CAD software, particularly SolidWorks. Strong communication abilities, including explaining complex technical concepts to varied audiences. Location This position is based in the Design District of San Francisco, CA. Regular commuting to the San Francisco HQ is expected. While on-site work is preferred, some remote work (1-2 days per week) may be considered.

Join our dynamic team at Plaud Technologies as a Mechanical Engineer. We are seeking a highly motivated individual to contribute to innovative engineering solutions. You will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and implementing mechanical systems that enhance our products and services.The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles, experience with CAD software, and a passion for problem-solving. If you're looking to make a significant impact in a collaborative environment, we want to hear from you!

Company Overview:At Specter, we are pioneering a groundbreaking software-defined control plane tailored for the physical world. Our mission begins with safeguarding American enterprises by providing them with unparalleled insight into their physical assets.We are developing an interconnected hardware-software ecosystem built on advanced multi-modal wireless mesh sensing technology, significantly reducing the cost and time required to deploy sensors by a factor of 10. Our platform aims to serve as the perception engine for a company’s physical presence, facilitating real-time visibility of perimeters and enabling autonomous operations management.Founded by passionate innovators, Xerxes and Philip, who bring experience from leading organizations like Anduril, Tesla, Uber, and the U.S. Special Forces, we are a rapidly expanding team committed to empowering our partners in the evolving landscape of physical AI and robotics.